Toastmasters Club
The Toastmasters Club at IIT Kanpur, supported by our esteemed alumnus Mr. Suresh Bazaj (MSc2/PHY/1971), works in close coordination with the Students’ Placement Office to help students enhance their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. It is a student-led, self-learning initiative where members participate in regular meetings, workshops, and leadership training sessions designed to boost confidence, articulation, and professional readiness.
From orientation programs for new students to advanced workshops on impromptu speaking, phonetics, and interview preparation, the club offers a structured and engaging platform for personality development. With the formation of a fifth club this year and consistent participation in campus and off-campus sessions, the initiative continues to grow. Over 100 students braved the winter chill to attend a power-packed session on interview readiness and confidence building led by DTM Deepak Menon, while Dr. Garima Williams conducted an engaging session on phonetics, helping students sharpen their speech clarity and professional communication. IIT Kanpur was once again recognised with the prestigious “Communication & Leadership Award” by Toastmasters International - the only institute in the subcontinent to earn this honour.
Milestones & Achievements in FY 2024 -25
FORMATION OF CLUB 5 - TOASTMASTERS CLUB IITK#5
Over the past few months, Toastmasters Clubs IITK have successfully conducted more than 50 sessions of Toastmasters International. After the successful running of 04 clubs and promotional activities, a large no. of students showed their interest in joining the Toastmasters club. This led to the formation of a fifth club at IITK.
THE COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP AWARD TO IITK FROM TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
IIT Kanpur was awarded the 'Communication & Leadership Award' once again for its outstanding contribution towards the District and Toastmasters International. The Communication and Leadership Award is presented by the district to a corporate or an institution in the community that has contributed to the cause of the District and Toastmasters International.This award is given for the first time to an institution in the subcontinent.
TOASTMASTERS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE OF DISTRICT 124
Toastmasters International conducted an online club officers training program for all club officers. Students who participated got insights about how to lead club meetings. There were leaders from industry who trained the participants on their respective roles in Toastmasters club.
ORIENTATION PROGRAMME CONDUCTED FOR NEW JEE STUDENTS TO SHARE BENEFITS OF TOASTMASTERS IN THEIR CAREERS
Students attended the workshop in large numbers and joined the meetings to improve their inter-personnel skills. This workshop was conducted on Aug 10, 2024 and a total of 90 students attended the session and thereby joined Toastmasters club formally.
STUDENTS LEVERAGED THE BENEFITS OF TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
Students of all the clubs attended weekly meetings and participated in meeting roles. Students also attended a Sunday morning meeting in Kanpur city to gain experience speaking in front of an unfamiliar audience in an unfamiliar meeting room. Regular participation in Toastmasters meetings on campus and off campus is an indication of how Toastmasters is helping students with their communication skills
TRAINING ON VARIOUS TOASTMASTERS MODULES BY DTM DEEPAK MENON
An interactive jam-packed session on interview readiness and confidence building was arranged. More than 100 students participated. Students got many insights on impromptu speaking and effectively giving positive feedback. This event was led by Toastmasters past International President, DTM Deepak Menon.
Students were given sessions on Pathways - the education curriculum of Toastmasters. The Pathways’ learning experience is an interactive and flexible education program created to help students strengthen their communication and leadership skills.
WORKSHOP ON PHONETICS TO MASTER PRONUNCIATION
Students of all the clubs attended weekly meetings and participated in meeting roles. Students also attended a Sunday morning meeting in Kanpur city to gain experience speaking in front of an unfamiliar audience in an unfamiliar meeting room. Regular participation in Toastmasters meetings on campus and off campus is an indication of how Toastmasters is helping students with their communication skills.
The Students’ Placement Office, in coordination with Toastmasters International and the DoRA office, is working to strengthen communication and leadership skills on campus.
We thank Mr. Suresh Bazaj, an IITK alumnus, for his constant support. The Toastmasters Club continues to serve as a learning pathway where students enhance their personality and communication skills, and we encourage greater student participation in this self-driven initiative.
- Team Toastmasters Club